Patriots 
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) runs after a reception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear) (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
By Conor Ryan
March 9, 2025
Patriots fans’ dreams of watching DK Metcalf reel in deep throws from Drake Maye were officially dashed Sunday evening.
Despite being tabbed as one of the favorites to acquire the dynamic, No. 1 wideout this offseason, Metcalf is heading to the AFC North. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Seahawks are trading Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that Metcalf will receive a 5-year extension worth $150 million with Pittsburgh.
Sunday’s news stands as yet another setback for the Patriots, who have been on the prowl for a No. 1 receiver for years, especially following Drake Maye’s impressive rookie season in 2024.
A player with Metcalf’s credentials would have been the ideal fit, especially given that Metcalf just turned 27 in December. Metcalf has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in three of his six seasons in the NFL, closing out his tenure in Seattle with 48 touchdowns.
Previous reporting about Metcalf’s preferences for his next destination will only further twist the knife for a Patriots organization that has struggled to attract star talent in recent years.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Sunday morning, Metcalf “ideally wants to play in a warm weather climate and is looking to make $30m per year.”
While the Steelers did hand Metcalf a new contract worth $30 million per season, Pittsburgh doesn’t exactly feature a “warm weather climate,” nor are the Steelers viewed as premier contenders entering the 2025 season.
If Metcalf was willing to play in a colder climate in order to net a hefty new contract, one would think that New England would stand as the more-appealing spot, especially given the presence of an up-and-coming QB in Maye.
The Steelers had Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on their roster last year, although both are free agents this spring.
Granted, Metcalf made it clear in January that he wasn’t overly enthused about playing football in Massachusetts.
“It’s not a desirable place in my opinion,”he told Katie Nolan on “The Casuals” Podcast when asked if he could envision himself playing for the Patriots. “Great organization, though.”
With Metcalf now in Pittsburgh, Tee Higgins hit with a franchise tag in Cincinnati, and Davante Adams reportedly signing a two-year deal with the Rams, New England’s options at wideout are rapidly dwindling with free agency approaching.
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